SAN LEANDRO, CA – Authorities are investigating a deadly fire that occurred early Friday morning in San Leandro, leaving two people dead and several others injured. The blaze erupted along Altamonte Road in an unincorporated area of the city, prompting a significant emergency response.
Firefighters arrived at approximately 5:26 a.m. to find a home engulfed in flames. The intensity of the fire necessitated a second alarm, and while some occupants managed to escape the inferno, others were less fortunate. A total of nine individuals were inside the residence when the fire broke out, according to officials.
Tragically, two of the victims succumbed to their injuries, though it remains unclear if they died at the scene or later at the hospital. Six other individuals were hospitalized, with one person reported to be in critical condition. Authorities are working to confirm the whereabouts of one person who remains unaccounted for.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that the blaze originated inside the home, but the exact source and circumstances leading to the fire are yet to be determined. Investigators, along with structural engineers, are meticulously combing through the charred remains of the property to piece together the sequence of events.
As the investigation continues, the scene remains active with both the Alameda County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department on site. The stability of the building is a significant concern, hindering efforts to conduct a thorough search for the missing individual. Canine units may be deployed, but only if it is deemed safe for them to enter the unstable structure.
Despite the severity of the fire, nearby homes were spared from damage. The community has been advised to avoid the area due to the ongoing activity of emergency and law enforcement personnel.
This tragic incident has left the neighborhood in shock, as authorities continue to seek answers and provide support to those affected. The investigation is expected to extend throughout the day as teams work diligently to uncover the cause behind this devastating event.